Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3: The Ultimate Foldable Face-Off

Foldable phones are no longer a futuristic fantasy; they're a reality. The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G represent two distinct approaches to this innovative form factor. But which one offers the better experience?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 takes the crown due to its refined software, more durable design, and better camera system. While the Mi Mix Fold boasts a larger, more immersive display, Samsung's overall package is more polished and reliable, especially for first-time foldable buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, March2021, August 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 16Available. Released 2021, August 27
Body
BuildGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) or ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 173.3 x 133.4 x 7.6 mm Folded: 173.3 x 69.8 x 17.2 mmUnfolded: 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mmFolded: 158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4-16 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight317 g (Glass)332 g (Ceramic) (11.18 oz)271 g (9.56 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) Stylus support
Display
Resolution1860 x 2480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~387 ppi density)1768 x 2208 pixels (~374 ppi density)
Size8.01 inches, 198.7 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 179.9 cm2 (~88.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 Cover display: AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) 6.52 inches, 840 x 2520 pixels, 27:9 ratioCover display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 6.2 inches, 832 x 2268 pixels, 25:9 ratio
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 10, MIUI 12Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 80mm (telephoto/macro), liquid lens, PDAF, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single20 MP, (wide)4 MP, f/1.8, 2.0µm, under display Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 37 min25W wired 11W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5020 mAhLi-Po 4400 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, CeramicPhantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Green, Thom Browne Edition, Wooyoungmi Edition
ModelsM2011J18CSM-F926B, SM-F926B/DS, SM-F926U, SM-F926U1, SM-F926W, SM-F9260, SM-F926N
PriceAbout 1300 EUR€ 453.57 / $ 367.74 / £ 449.99
SAR-0.73 W/kg (head)     1.22 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.04 W/kg (head)     1.44 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 75h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 635918 (v8), 752218 (v9) GeekBench: 12719 (v4.4), 3239 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold

  • Larger unfolded display
  • Faster charging (67W)
  • Unique design

  • Less refined software
  • Potentially less durable hinge
  • Slower camera performance

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

  • More durable design
  • Brighter display
  • Better camera system
  • Refined software
  • Water resistance

  • Slower charging (25W)
  • Smaller unfolded display
  • Higher price

Display Comparison

The Mi Mix Fold features a larger 8.01-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Z Fold3 has a 7.6-inch AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a brighter 922 nits peak brightness. Samsung's display is generally considered more color-accurate and vibrant, while Xiaomi's is larger but potentially less refined.

Camera Comparison

The Z Fold3 generally wins in the camera department. While both offer versatile camera setups, Samsung's image processing and video recording capabilities are superior. The Z Fold3's cameras are more consistent and produce better results in various lighting conditions. The Mi Mix Fold's camera is decent but lacks the refinement of Samsung's.

Performance

Both phones share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, ensuring comparable performance in everyday tasks and demanding games. However, Samsung's software optimization might provide a slightly smoother experience. Thermal management could be a factor with both, especially during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Z Fold3 boasts an endurance rating of 75 hours, suggesting superior battery optimization. The Mi Mix Fold's battery capacity is comparable, but its larger display and potentially less efficient software could impact battery life. The Z Fold3's 25W wired charging is significantly slower than the Mi Mix Fold's 67W charging.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold is ideal for users prioritizing a larger, more cinematic unfolded display and are comfortable with a slightly less mature foldable experience. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is best for those seeking a more robust, reliable foldable with excellent software support, a versatile camera, and a more established ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which foldable phone is more durable?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is generally considered more durable due to its more robust hinge design and water resistance (IPX8).
❓ Which phone offers faster charging?
The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold offers significantly faster charging with its 67W wired charging compared to the Z Fold3's 25W.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a refined foldable experience, excellent camera performance, and software support, the Z Fold3 is worth the premium. If you're primarily interested in a larger display and faster charging, the Mi Mix Fold might be a better value.